WATCH: Dominic Thiem given rousing farewell by Boris Becker, Matteo Berrettini, Frances Tiafoe, and others before Austrian's retirement at home event
Dominic Thiem received a grand farewell in the presence of Boris Becker, Matteo Berrettini, Frances Tiafoe and others at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna. The Austrian, a former World No. 3, is set to officially retire from tennis following the conclusion of his campaign at the Vienna Open.
From 2016 to 2020, Thiem was widely regarded as one of the best men's tennis players in the world, particularly on clay. However, the pinnacle of the Austrian's illustrious career came on the hard court of New York's Arthur Ashe Stadium at the 2020 US Open. Thiem was on the brink of defeat to rival and close friend Alexander Zverev in the final. However, he remarkably came back from two sets down to win the title.
Fast forward to Sunday, October 20, 2024, tennis legend Boris Becker along with present-day stars Matteo Berrettini, Frances Tiafoe and others gave a guard of honor to celebrate Dominic Thiem's career. The Austrian walked out and acknowledged the respect that came his way from his fellow players and also the roaring crowd in Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle.
Watch the heartwarming moment below:
Unfortunately, Dominic Thiem's career was derailed by a wrist injury he sustained at the 2021 Mallorca Championships. The Austrian underwent surgery, but it came at a severe cost. Even though Thiem returned to the ATP Tour, he simply wasn't the same player anymore. Earlier this year, he announced that he would retire after participating on home soil at the Vienna Open.
Later, legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic had also paid tribute to Thiem.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic lauded Dominic Thiem over the Austrian's relatively short yet successful career
At this year's Lotterien Sporthilfe Gala, Dominic Thiem was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. After receiving the award, the Austrian was treated to tributes from the legendary Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The famed Big 3 had sent pre-recorded video messages for Thiem.
Nadal expressed his admiration for the former World No. 3, while Djokovic wished him all the best for his final campaign at the Vienna Open.
"Hey Domi, how are you doing I just want to congratulate you for this lifetime achievement award, very well deserved, very happy for you, you know how much I admire you, and respect you so I wish you all the best, enjoy tonight and see ya around," Nadal said.
"Thank you very much for all you have given to all of us, particularly tennis, I am glad that you will have an opportunity to say goodbye in Viena, one last dance, I wish you a great tournament, with all family members present and celebrate it, you deserve it my friend, all the best”, Djokovic said.
Meanwhile, Federer said that the world of tennis would greatly miss Thiem following the Austrian's retirement.
“Tennis will miss you very, very much,” Federer said in German.
Dominic Thiem will get the final campaign of his glittering career underway at the Vienna Open on Tuesday, October 22, against Luciano Darderi. Thiem won the ATP 500 event back in 2019 after defeating Diego Schwartzman in the final.